[2] In July 2003, Baleni joined the energy sector as chief executive officer of Electricity Distribution Industry Holdings, an organisation established by the Department of Minerals and Energy to oversee the establishment of six regional electricity distributors.
[3] Shortly afterwards, Minister Blade Nzimande additionally appointed her as chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta.
[2] On 31 March 2021, Baleni announced her departure from Gauteng to become director-general in the Presidency of South Africa, a position which also carries the responsibilities of cabinet secretary and head of public administration.
[9] In November 2022, Baleni's contract was extended by five years,[10] and in April 2024 President Ramaphosa appointed her and Mike Mabuyakhulu to head a task team to resolve inefficiencies at the Port of Durban.
[14] She is married to trade unionist Frans Baleni, a former general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers.